Rehabilitation and Return-to-Play Following Arthroscopic Bankart Repair

Anterior shoulder instability is a common clinical entity, especially in young male athletes. Many patients, especially first-time dislocators, may be successfully treated with nonoperative measures such as physical therapy and activity modification. The goals of nonoperative management are to gradually restore pain-free range of motion and dynamic stability of the shoulder. For patients who have failed conservative management or have suffered significant anterior labral tears, arthroscopic anterior stabilization has been shown to be an effective management option, in turn, affording patients a high-rate of return-to-play and good clinical outcomes. In this article, the authors' nonoperative and arthroscopic anterior shoulder stabilization rehabilitation protocols will be detailed alongside timelines for allowing athletes of different levels and sports to return-to-play following nonoperative and operative management. An up-to-date review of literature regarding rehabilitation and return-to-play after anterior shoulder instability injuries will also be provided.